Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2488

Penned letter from Cather (then Betty) MacCallum, Ithaca, New York

December 20, 1956

 

 

 

Dear Popdaddy  —

 

After keeping your proofs for so long, I have neither constructive nor destructive criticism — for which I feel bad.

My all over general impression was that the last several chapters were a fine conclusion to a fine piece of work which I hope will not be long in gaining recognition and adoption. I found that the definitions coming at the end served to crystallize fully your general thesis, and I thought the inclusion at the end was a fine conclusion.

 

 So you see, on this last set, I fell into woman’s traditional role of appreciation and cherishing. This is the time of year when women come into their own in the role of cherishing, I think — preserving the tradition of the Christmas season. At least, I felt that way when I was baking my fruit cake and cookies over the recipes my great great great grandmother used back in the early 1800s — and wished I could pass them on to a daughter.

 

 So you see, for anything by way of creative criticism, I shall now have to wait til your book comes out. In the meantime, I am truly impressed with CMA — and I am very very grateful for your sharing the proofs with us. And instead of cookie recipes, shall feel proud to pass on to my sons the tenets of their great grandfather’s science.

 

 Tell Spencer that I’ve become so fond of the earrings they never leave my ears.

 

 As soon as socionomy is irrevocably in the hands of the press — we expect a visit. May the new year bring all good things to you and Spencer.

Love —

 

Betty